Table Of ContentIELTS
7
1
ACADEMIC
WITH ANSWERS
AUTHENTIC PRACTICE TESTS
WITH AUDIO
WWIITTHH
RREESSOOUURRCCEE
BBAANNKK
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
www.cambridge.org/elt
www.cambridgeenglish.org
Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9781108933810
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2022
It is normally necessary for written permission for copying to be obtained in advance from a publisher.
The sample answer sheets at the back of this book are designed to be copied and distributed in class.
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Photocopiable ’ may be copied.
First published 2022
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Printed in [TBC]
A catalogue record for this publication is available from the British Library
ISBN 978-1-108-93381-0 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank
ISBN 978-1-108-93383-4 General Training Student’s Book with Answers with Audio with Resource Bank
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Contents
Introduction 4
Test 1 10
Test 2 31
Test 3 53
Test 4 75
Audioscripts 96
Listening and Reading answer keys 119
Sample Writing answers 127
Sample answer sheets 139
Acknowledgements 143
3
Introduction
Prepare for the exam with practice tests from Cambridge
Inside you’ll find four authentic examination papers from Cambridge University Press &
Assessment. They are the perfect way to practise – EXACTLY like the real exam.
Why are they unique?
All our authentic practice tests go through the same design process as the IELTS test. We
check every single part of our practice tests with real students under exam conditions, to
make sure we give you the most authentic experience possible.
Students can practise these tests on their own or with the help of a teacher to familiarise
themselves with the exam format, understand the scoring system and practise exam technique.
Further information
IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge University
Press & Assessment. Further information can be found on the IELTS official website at
ielts.org.
WHAT IS THE TEST FORMAT?
IELTS consists of four components. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking
tests. There is a choice of Reading and Writing tests according to whether a candidate is
taking the Academic or General Training module.
Academic General Training
For candidates wishing to study at For candidates wishing to migrate to an
undergraduate or postgraduate levels, English-speaking country (Australia, Canada,
and for those seeking professional New Zealand, UK), and for those wishing to
registration. train or study below degree level.
4
Introduction
The test components are taken in the following order:
Listening
4 parts, 40 items, approximately 30 minutes
Academic Reading General Training Reading
3 sections, 40 items or 3 sections, 40 items
60 minutes 60 minutes
Academic Writing General Training Writing
2 tasks or 2 tasks
60 minutes 60 minutes
Speaking
11 to 14 minutes
Total Test Time
2 hours 44 minutes
ACADEMIC TEST FORMAT
Listening
This test consists of four parts, each with ten questions. The first two parts are concerned
with social needs. The first part is a conversation between two speakers and the second part
is a monologue. The final two parts are concerned with situations related to educational or
training contexts. The third part is a conversation between up to four people and the fourth
part is a monologue.
A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/
diagram labelling, form completion, note completion, table completion, flowchart completion,
summary completion, sentence completion and short-answer questions.
Candidates hear the recording once only and answer the questions as they listen. Ten
minutes are allowed at the end for candidates to transfer their answers to the answer sheet.
Reading
This test consists of three sections with 40 questions. There are three texts, which are
taken from journals, books, magazines and newspapers. The texts are on topics of general
interest. At least one text contains detailed logical argument.
A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choice, identifying information
(True/False/Not Given), identifying the writer’s views/claims (Yes/No/Not Given), matching
information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence
completion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flowchart completion,
diagram-label completion and short-answer questions.
5
Introduction
Writing
This test consists of two tasks. It is suggested that candidates spend about 20 minutes on
Task 1, which requires them to write at least 150 words, and 40 minutes on Task 2, which
requires them to write at least 250 words. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the
Writing score.
Task 1 requires candidates to look at a diagram or some data (in a graph, table or chart)
and to present the information in their own words. They are assessed on their ability to
organise, present and possibly compare data, and are required to describe the stages of a
process, describe an object or event, or explain how something works.
In Task 2, candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem. They are
assessed on their ability to present a solution to the problem, present and justify an opinion,
compare and contrast evidence and opinions, and to evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence
or arguments.
Candidates are also assessed on their ability to write in an appropriate style. More
information on assessing the Writing test, including Writing assessment criteria (public
version), is available at ielts.org.
Speaking
This test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and is conducted by a trained examiner.
There are three parts:
Part 1
The candidate and the examiner introduce themselves. Candidates then answer general
questions about themselves, their home/family, their job/studies, their interests and a wide
range of similar familiar topic areas. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
Part 2
The candidate is given a task card with prompts and is asked to talk on a particular topic.
The candidate has one minute to prepare and they can make some notes if they wish,
before speaking for between one and two minutes. The examiner then asks one or two
questions on the same topic.
Part 3
The examiner and the candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues which are
thematically linked to the topic in Part 2. The discussion lasts between four and five minutes.
The Speaking test assesses whether candidates can communicate effectively in English.
The assessment takes into account Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical
Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. More information on assessing the Speaking test,
including Speaking assessment criteria (public version), is available at ielts.org.
6
Introduction
HOW IS IELTS SCORED?
IELTS results are reported on a nine-band scale. In addition to the score for overall language
ability, IELTS provides a score in the form of a profile for each of the four skills (Listening,
Reading, Writing and Speaking). These scores are also reported on a nine-band scale. All
scores are recorded on the Test Report Form along with details of the candidate’s nationality,
first language and date of birth. Each Overall Band Score corresponds to a descriptive
statement which gives a summary of the English-language ability of a candidate classified at
that level. The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:
9 Expert user – Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate
and fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very good user – Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional
unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in
unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good user – Has operational command of the language, though with occasional
inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally
handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent user – Has generally effective command of the language despite some
inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly
complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest user – Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning
in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle
basic communication in own field.
4 Limited user – Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent
problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely limited user – Conveys and understands only general meaning in very
familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent user – Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non-user – Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few
isolated words.
0 Did not attempt the test – Did not answer the questions.
7
Introduction
MARKING THE PRACTICE TESTS
Listening and Reading
The answer keys are on pages 119 –126.
Each question in the Listening and Reading tests is worth one mark.
Questions which require letter / Roman numeral answers
For questions where the answers are letters or Roman numerals, you should write only the
number of answers required. For example, if the answer is a single letter or numeral, you
should write only one answer. If you have written more letters or numerals than are required,
the answer must be marked wrong.
Questions which require answers in the form of words or numbers
• Answers may be written in upper or lower case.
• Words in brackets are optional – they are correct, but not necessary.
• Alternative answers are separated by a slash (/).
• If you are asked to write an answer using a certain number of words and/or (a) number(s),
you will be penalised if you exceed this. For example, if a question specifies an answer
using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS and the correct answer is ‘black leather coat’,
the answer ‘coat of black leather’ is incorrect.
• In questions where you are expected to complete a gap, you should only transfer the
necessary missing word(s) onto the answer sheet. For example, to complete ‘in the …’,
where the correct answer is ‘morning’, the answer ‘in the morning’ would be incorrect.
• All answers require correct spelling (including words in brackets).
• Both US and UK spelling are acceptable and are included in the answer key.
• All standard alternatives for numbers, dates and currencies are acceptable.
• All standard abbreviations are acceptable.
• You will find additional notes about individual answers in the answer key.
Writing
The sample answers are on pages 127–138. It is not possible for you to give yourself a mark
for the Writing tasks. We have provided sample answers (written by candidates), showing
their score and the examiners’ comments. These sample answers will give you an insight
into what is required for the Writing test.
8
Introduction
HOW SHOULD YOU INTERPRET YOUR SCORES?
At the end of each Listening and Reading answer key you will find a chart which will help
you assess whether, on the basis of your Practice Test results, you are ready to take the
IELTS test.
In interpreting your score, there are a number of points you should bear in mind. Your
performance in the real IELTS test will be reported in two ways: there will be a Band Score
from 1 to 9 for each of the components and an Overall Band Score from 1 to 9, which is
the average of your scores in the four components. However, institutions considering your
application are advised to look at both the Overall Band Score and the Band Score for
each component in order to determine whether you have the language skills needed for a
particular course of study. For example, if your course involves a lot of reading and writing,
but no lectures, listening skills might be less important and a score of 5 in Listening might be
acceptable if the Overall Band Score was 7. However, for a course which has lots of lectures
and spoken instructions, a score of 5 in Listening might be unacceptable even though the
Overall Band Score was 7.
Once you have marked your tests, you should have some idea of whether your listening
and reading skills are good enough for you to try the IELTS test. If you did well enough in
one component, but not in others, you will have to decide for yourself whether you are ready
to take the test.
The Practice Tests have been checked to ensure that they are the same level of difficulty
as the real IELTS test. However, we cannot guarantee that your score in the Practice Tests
will be reflected in the real IELTS test. The Practice Tests can only give you an idea of your
possible future performance and it is ultimately up to you to make decisions based on your
score.
Different institutions accept different IELTS scores for different types of courses. We have
based our recommendations on the average scores which the majority of institutions accept.
The institution to which you are applying may, of course, require a higher or lower score than
most other institutions.
9
Test 1
LISTENING
PART 1 Questions 1–10
Complete the notes below.
Listening test audio
Write ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Buckworth Conservation Group
Regular activities
Beach
• making sure the beach does not have 1 on it
• no 2
Nature reserve
• maintaining paths
• nesting boxes for birds installed
• next task is taking action to attract 3 to the place
• identifying types of 4
• building a new 5
Forthcoming events
Saturday
• meet at Dunsmore Beach car park
• walk across the sands and reach the 6
• take a picnic
• wear appropriate 7
Woodwork session
• suitable for 8 to participate in
• making 9 out of wood
• 17th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• cost of session (no camping): 10 £
10 p. 119 p. 96
